by K. K. Allen
Charlotte nods and faces forward. She closes her eyes, fists clenched tight, and takes a slow, deep breath. When she exhales, a fog escapes from her mouth. It circles in front of her, but never vanishes. Charlotte opens her eyes and holds her palm up, careful not to touch the eerie vapor substance. She blows on it gently, and I watch as it transforms into sprinkles of glittery particles that release into the air. The wind comes along, and the particles spread until I can no longer see them.
“That’s our power, made up of the earth’s elements. What we take from the earth, we give back. It’s a cycle of life that keeps us powerful and healthy. That’s why when you get to my old age, it’s difficult to keep up, but it’s up to you how long you choose to recycle. What makes us most powerful can also kill us.”
Again, Rose is being vague. I sigh inwardly, but I’m understanding more. I then think about her last sentence. “So what happens when you stop energy sourcing?”
Rose gives me a heartening smile as she says the two most ominous words I think I’ll ever hear. “I die.”
Some nights, I feel like I’m trapped in a bottle, rattling around, hoping it will tip over and crack, just so I can steal a sip of air from the outside world. It’s a bit dramatic, I know, considering I’m currently standing on the massive balcony outside my lavish master bedroom.
Sleep seems impossible lately. Between all the energy racing through my veins, straight to my heart, and the questions that never quit, I’m going out of my mind. And ever since the other night when Rose showed me how to energy source, I haven’t been able to get her words off my mind.
What we take from the earth, we give back. It’s a cycle of life that keeps us powerful and healthy.
It’s all so fascinating how we’re able to recycle the earth’s elements to enhance our senses and turn our strengths into magic. What I once thought was a strange and terrifying curse feels so different to me now. It feels… like magic. It’s also terrifying. To know that one day my end will come—not because of old age, but because I’ll choose to take my last breath—that’s not a power I want to possess.
Restless, I climb onto the balcony rail and walk the ledge like it’s a tightrope. While I pace back and forth, I consider how high I am from the ground and whether I could make the jump. It’s tempting, but I latch on to the trellis beside my balcony, descend a bit, then jump when I’m halfway down, enough to test the strength of my legs from a position no Normal could land carefully.
The second before I hit the patio, I tense to absorb some level of shock. Instead, I just feel like I jumped in place. My laugh carries into the wind, and I look around at the dim house lights and consider my next move. I either abide by Rose’s wishes and get back inside, or I take a quick jog to release some of this energy. The thought of maybe running into Alec crosses my mind, and that’s enough to tip me over the edge.
A little run won’t hurt anybody. With a quick wave of my hand, my tennis shoes tip over the edge of the balcony. I slip them on then tighten the laces, and away I go. I’m jogging along the shore, frowning when there’s no sign of Alec by the time I fly past his house. Still, I decide to keep going and run the length of the shore until I get to the public beach then past the abandoned north side of town toward the bridge that cuts through the nature preserve.
As soon as the wildlife cloaks me from the eyes of any Normals who might be around, I speed up to a sprint, letting my feet carry me as far and as fast as I can go. I recognize the path and know I’m close to reaching the end. The view of the energy plant looms ahead when a dark hooded figure rounds the final bend.
My heart lurches the moment I see him. First, I wasn’t expecting to see anyone out here at this time of night. Second, I don’t need to see the figure’s face to know exactly who he is.
I slow my sprint to a jog then a walk, and he does the same. Neither of us stop until we’re a mere six feet from each other. He swipes the hood from his head and glares back at me. While I still have tons of energy, I’m surprised to find myself breathing heavily. I’ve even managed to produce a small amount of sweat.
“A little late for you to be frolicking around, isn’t it?”
It might be dark out, but I’m not oblivious to the way he runs his gaze over my black sports bra and spandex shorts. Annoyed by his casual perusal, I glare. “You talk a lot for someone who has nothing nice to say.”
His chuckle is so light and surprising that I almost don’t believe it came from him. “So much animosity.” He gives a small shake of his head. “You should be careful with that.”
I take a step forward to let him know I accept his challenge. “What do you know?”
He takes a step toward me. “I know that only someone out of their goddamn mind would go running out here after midnight. Why does it seem like you’re always looking for trouble?”
My mouth falls open. “Did anyone tell you the longer you stare, the harder it is to decipher the truth?”
His mouth tips up at the corner. “Never heard that one before, but I don’t have to look at you to know you’re up to something.”
“Well, I’m not.”
“Why is that so hard to believe?”
I shrug as sarcasm drips through my veins. “Maybe because you’re an egotistical prick who can’t see past the angry wall he erects. Ever think of that?”
His jaw ticks, and I know my words stung. I wish I found pleasure in returning his jabs. I wish I could stop caring completely. But there are things about Johnny Pierce I’m desperate to understand, starting with his hatred for me.
“Yeah, well, at least I don’t bring trouble everywhere I go.”
I scoff. “Is that the real reason why you didn’t call me after my audition? Because you think I’m trouble? You keep saying it, so you must believe it.”
Johnny shrugs. “Not sure you’ve given me much else to go on. What does it matter anyway? The Grille isn’t the only job on the island. Go ask that grandma of yours to get you hired somewhere else.”
I can feel my jaw bulge with the grinding of my teeth. While I know he’s right, that isn’t how this is supposed to work. He has no reason to refuse me the job besides the unwarranted hatred he feels. “How old are you, anyway?” I ask.
His brows bend together as he searches my eyes. “Twenty-two. Why?”
I take another step forward so I’m directly beneath his gaze. “Just what I thought. The body of a man and the personality of a toddler.”
He leans down, anger flashing in the blue eyes, which are now pinned on mine. “Looks can be deceiving, can’t they, Kat?”
“You could say that.” My insides are shaking, my neck burning from the confrontation. I don’t even know what we’re talking about anymore.
“Go home.” This time his words are just a raspy whisper, but it does something to my insides. My eyes fall closed while my heart takes off with a frantic flutter. I open them again and suck in a deep breath. “I’ll go home when I’m done with my run.”
He narrows his eyes. “You’ll go now. It’s dangerous out here, especially at night.”
“The only thing dangerous out here is you, and I’m not afraid.”
“You should be.” Something besides anger flashes in his eyes, and it’s enough to cause me to back up a step. He matches my step, moving toward me, forcing me to step backward again. “Go home, Kat, before I take you there myself.”
I don’t know if it’s the fact that he won’t back down or because I truly am tired from my run, but I decide to give in just this once. With a final glare, I turn away from the man I’ll never understand and jog home.
What makes us most powerful can also kill us.
Rose’s words haunt me for the rest of the week, especially after I’ve seen just how powerful our magic is, and I haven’t even begun to scratch the surface.
Her words continued to shake me, all through my days as I studied Solstice law. At night, I would practice my magic with Charlotte and Rose. We’ve focused primarily on manipulation—creating
, shaping, and combining elements to create things like wind blasts and shaped glass. Turns out, there’s an entire science behind what my powers are capable of, hence the reason I agreed to attend the School of Gaia in the fall. To think I have all this power in my grasp is unnerving, to say the least. I’m going to need all the help I can get.
By the time Fourth of July comes around, jitters are sparking off my every nerve ending. While I’m excited to see Alec again, I’m more anxious than anything else.
“Be careful, Katrina,” Rose warned.
I took her hand and looked her dead in the eyes. “I will. What’s the big deal, anyway? You like Alec. You were the one trying to set me up with him.”
Rose sighed. “Yes, for selfish reasons, I’ll admit. I just want you to be aware. Young love makes us foolish, and we can become distracted. It’s a dangerous game to play, especially when your magic is new. You’re vulnerable.”
“Vulnerable, as in weak?”
She tugged on my hand, which was still holding hers, and squeezed. “I’m saying your magic is more powerful than you know what to do with. And that makes you a target.”
“A target for who?”
I could tell she didn’t want to speak the words aloud, but in the end, she gave me enough to chill my bones. “Erebus. He has been gone for a long time, but that doesn’t mean he’s gone for good. His Equinox Followers travel with him from community to community, then they walk among us, watch our every move, and report back to the God of Darkness when the time is right. Erebus will be back, and when that day comes, we’ll need you at your strongest.”
For a full evening, I considered missing the beach party, but when I woke up, I knew I couldn’t disappoint Alec. I would go, and I would be careful.
I approach the party at just past seven, and it’s like a scene from a movie. Boisterous voices spill across the beach. A growing bonfire sits near the shore. People are dancing merrily along the edge of the water. Farther up the beach, a volleyball game is in full swing. On the pool deck of Alec’s house, a crowd has gathered around a Ping-Pong match, but most of the guests are below, where a band is playing on the terrace.
I finally spot Alec near the volleyball crowd and walk toward him.
“Hey, Kat,” a voice calls.
My stomach twists when I recognize Iris’s voice. Disappointed, I turn to find an over-exaggerated look of confusion on her face. “Hi, Iris. It’s nice to see you again.” I give her my friendliest greeting while pinching out my best smile.
“Can’t say the same for you.” Her sugary-sweet tone alerts all my senses. Her fake smile widens, and she tilts her head in what appears to be an effort to lay it on thick. “I’m surprised to see you here.”
In the past, I would have cowered at the confrontation, but not this time. A wave of courage rips through me. I straighten and hold Iris’s eyes in mine. “Alec invited me.”
She narrows her eyes while still holding her smile.
“As his date,” I add for good measure.
Iris loses ground slightly as she shrinks before me. “Please. Alec probably just feels sorry for you. He’s nice to everyone. He can’t help himself.”
I roll my eyes and take a step to move around her. “Think what you want, Iris. I really don’t care.” But as soon as I take a step past her, her hand swings out and grips mine to stop me.
“Rumor was that you’d be long gone by now.”
“Plans changed,” I shoot back.
“Isn’t that unfortunate?”
I notice her wandering eyes and unsteady stance, making it appear as if she’s been drinking. I yank my arm from her grip, and that’s when I catch a whiff of her next breath, confirming my suspicions. “I know what you’re trying to do, but you don’t intimidate me, Iris.”
She narrows her eyes at me and takes a step forward. “Careful,” she says while pointing a finger at me. “You don’t know who you’re messing with.” She sways slightly.
I just shake my head. “I think you have it backward.”
She doesn't retaliate like I expect. Instead, her eyes drop, and she almost falls backward. I’m quick to catch her, but she shoves me away.
“Don’t touch me, you witch!”
She spits the words, and I reel back, wide-eyed, heart thumping with a quickening pace. Fear is the first emotion that comes to me. What does she know? Then another emotion creeps in as the blood beneath my skin comes to a boil. Anger. I’m not a witch. Not in the way she means it.
My insides begin to shake with fury, and my eyes narrow hard on her. The look she gives me now is one I will never forget. Terror. She stumbles and falls back, her butt hitting the sand while her eyes stare up at me as if I’m a monster. She starts to crawl backward, away from me, and I instinctively grab my necklace and squeeze it tightly. My next breath is a deep one, and on my exhale, I can feel all the wound-up parts of me start to relax.
“I told you to stop drinking!”
I’m shaken from the blackness when I hear Alec’s voice. I look up to find him and Ava approaching. He walks up behind Iris, grips under her arms, and pulls her to her feet. As soon as she’s standing, she begins to clutch her head as if she’s suffering from a migraine.
Meanwhile, Ava is full of deep laughter. I just stare at them both, taken aback by their behavior. Ava wraps an arm around Iris and pulls her away.
After they’re far enough up the beach, Alec turns toward me. “I think they started drinking a little too early.”
I turn away from their departing figures and frown, still shaken by Iris’s behavior. “That was quite the welcome.”
Alec cringes. “Sorry about that. Was she awful to you?”
I give him a sheepish smile and respond without actually answering. “Are you surprised?”
He lets out a sympathetic smile and reaches for my hand. “No. But for what it’s worth, I’m glad you came.” He tugs me forward and places his hands on my waist. There’s a twinkle in his eyes. “You look nice.”
Charlotte assured me the long orange maxi skirt and white crop tank top was the perfect outfit to wear to a beach party. I’m glad I listened. I look him up and down. He’s wearing navy-and-white pinstriped swim shorts and a navy-blue muscle tank.
“You don’t look so bad yourself.” I can feel myself blush. “It looks like a great party.”
“Yeah, well, some people are having too much fun.” He directs his gaze where Ava and Iris walked off to. “But you made it.”
I narrow my eyes at him. “I did, and now you owe me.”
Alec leads me a short distance to the refreshment table, where a bowl of pink liquid sits in the center. He pours a drink and offers it to me. “A token of my gratitude.” He bows dramatically.
“Funny,” I say as I laugh. I look into the cup, checking out the drink.
As if he can read my mind, he laughs and says, “It’s just punch.” He gives me a boyish smile. “My parents and their friends are all over this joint. I couldn’t get away with sneaking a single ounce of booze. Trust me.”
“But Iris and Ava are getting it somewhere, right?”
Alec shrugs. “They probably brought it. My parents would never say anything to them, though. My parents intensely dislike their parents, so it’s not worth the drama.”
I laugh. “But you’re still friends with them?”
Alec shrugs. “Keep your enemies close, right?” He winks.
“Well, then cheers,” I say, a teasing tone in my voice as I raise my cup in the air.
“Cheers,” he says. “To you for finally escaping from prison.”
We tap our drinks together and take a sip, our eyes never leaving each other’s.
“So, are you free from now on, or does your carriage turn back into a pumpkin at midnight?”
I smile and tilt my head. “I don’t know about tonight, but we can start going running again if you want.”
He grins. “I’ve been training, you know? You’re not going to be able to blow me out of the water this time.
”
“Is that so?”
He nods, his confidence bolder than I remember. I think I like it too much.
“I’ll accept that challenge.”
He waggles his brows. “Now that we have that settled, come with me.”
He whisks me away, past the volleyball game, through the throng of guests, and down to where a bunch of familiar people are lighting off fireworks. I remember a lot of them from our pool game at Island Grille. Brett gives me a quick wink and a wave. Trisha wraps me in an excited hug. And the rest of them offer friendly smiles that make me feel an overwhelming sense of happiness. It’s like I might actually fit in with Alec and his friends—well, most of them. I sour at the thought of Iris and Ava, but the feeling fades quickly when Alec grabs a handful of sparklers and a lighter off a long table and motions for me to follow him closer to the water.
Alec lights the first sparkler, and it crackles to life. He hands it to me then lights one for himself. I wave my wand and watch as sparks shower from the stick and vanish into the night. I follow his lead and start to create random shapes. I barely notice that I’m using magic until I realize the heart I just made is lingering in the air longer than anything Alec is creating.
“Hey, Kat,” Alec says, getting my attention. “What does this spell?”
I pay close attention to the words he’s waving into the air, not missing a beat when I read, “Kiss me.”
I must be blushing. My neck and cheeks feel warm, and I can’t keep the smile off my face. “Smooth,” I tease.
Alec takes my burnt-out sparkler from my hand and places mine and his in a bucket of water, then interlaces my fingers with his, he starts to run up the beach.
I laugh at his spontaneity. “Where are we going?”
“Somewhere away from here.”
We find a quiet spot on top of a sand dune, farther back from the party, where the noise becomes a faint background music to our perfect night.
“So, tell me, Summer Girl. How do you like it here? And be honest.”
“I like it,” I tell him without an ounce of hesitation. “I didn’t think I would. And at first, I didn’t.” I laugh. “But this place—” I look across the water and smile. “It’s grown on me. It almost feels like home.”